The issue of so-called illegal immigration has produced an
interesting political alignment, not quite like that
produced by other important issues. The climate of fear
that has been encouraged by Bush neoconservatives in order
to push their agenda of Presidential dictatorial power, and
offensive use of military force, and world domination has
also resulted in a wave of xenophobia, seen in the Dubai
Ports furor and an anti-immigration stance by a variety of
confused caucasians. Normally the power-seeking Bush
Republicans would jump right into the reactionary camp just
as they did with the theocracy-seeking religious extremists,
but it happens that many influential business interests need
the 'illegal immigrants' to stay right where they are,
working hard for low wages.
So, we have an odd alliance between big business and a very
large number of Americans with Hispanic heritage, who
naturally sympathize with the immigrants, and millions of
others who believe that America stands for the principles
inscribed on the Statue of Liberty.

The xenophobes have little of substance on their side.
Proposals to wall off the borders and to make illegal entry
a felony are simply absurd. Where would we imprison these
millions of newly created felons, even if we caught them?
Concentration camps?

Perhaps the newly mobilized supporters of immigration will
help focus on the most important human side of the
controversy. The business interests are not perfect allies,
because they would prefer immigration remain illegal but
mostly unenforced. That way, immigrants will continue to
accept low pay and keep a low profile, fearing to organize
or complain.

Those who make an issue of the illegality of immigration are
only playing semantic games. Any sensible person knows the
difference between real crime and artificially created
crime. The problem is not the immigrants. The problem is
the law that declares them illegal. The law not only
subjects the immigrants to needless hardship and
victimization and keeps them outside the law, it makes any
real border security impossible.

Business interests will no doubt resist legalization as much
as felonization, since a legal immigrant could be protected
by labor laws and not as easily exploited. But Americans
who care about social justice and who envision our country
as a liberator, not an oppressor, of mankind will make their
views known and work toward opening our borders to all who
come in peace to seek a better life.